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Avelo's "Consolidation" is Just a Fancy Word for "Uh Oh"
Avelo Airlines, huh? So they're "consolidating" their network. Right. That's what companies always say right before they quietly pull out of markets and leave everyone scratching their heads. It's never "we screwed up," is it? No, it's always a strategic "consolidation." Give me a break.
According to some executive, Mike Corcoran, their "number one inhibitor to growth right now is just the fact that a lot of people don’t know that we actually exist." Okay, fair point. But maybe, just maybe, if your service was actually reliable and your routes made sense, people would know about you. Just a thought.
So, what's the plan? Hunker down on the East Coast until mid-2027 when the Embraer E195-E2s arrive. That's the magic bullet, apparently. These planes are gonna solve everything. Anyone else remember when flying was supposed to be glamorous? Now we're pinning our hopes on specific aircraft models to save an airline. How far we've fallen.
The East Coast or Bust (For Now)
They're gonna focus on "core bases, which are secondary [East Coast] airports." Translation: they're betting on people being too cheap or too lazy to drive to a real airport. Secondary airports are fine, I guess, if you're cool with limited flight options and the distinct possibility of getting stranded.
And what about the West Coast? Oh, they "absolutely plan to expand nationally once again" after the E2s arrive. Sure, Jan. I'll believe it when I see it. They already pulled out of Burbank, where they STARTED, so excuse me if I'm not holding my breath. It's like they're admitting they couldn't make it work out West.
Avelo CEO Andrew Levy said these flights "[The flights] inspire more travel as we gear up for spring break, more vacations, and connecting with friends and family,”. I'm sure the people who were counting on those Redmond-Burbank flights felt real inspired when they got cancelled. Avelo Airlines ending Redmond–Burbank flights earlier than expected
The $35 Flight Fantasy
Oh, and let's not forget the "$35 flights" to Chicago and Nashville from Concord, NC. Sounds great, right? Except, have you ever actually tried to book a $35 flight? By the time you add in baggage fees, seat selection (because who wants to sit in the middle seat next to the toilet?), and whatever other hidden charges they can dream up, you're looking at closer to $200. It's the airline equivalent of those "free" cell phones that end up costing you a fortune in monthly fees.
They're adding a second aircraft to their Lakeland, Florida base, apparently. Good for them. But are they actually going to staff it? Remember when airlines started charging for pillows? Now they're probably trying to think up new ways to nickel and dime us.
Avelo has flown "more than 8.2 million customers on over 66,000 flights." That's a lot of people potentially dealing with delays, cancellations, and shrinking legroom. Then again, maybe I'm just being cynical. Maybe.
So, What's the Real Story?
This "consolidation" smells like damage control to me. Avelo ain't a game-changer; it's just another budget airline hoping to survive long enough to get bought out.